Klok's School of Martial Arts

Korean Sword Advanced Weapons Class

Kum Do: The "Way" Of The Korean Sword

There are several different styles of Korean swordsmanship. One of the major traditional styles is Kum Do, it is based on traditional Korean swordsmanship which stresses moral values and emphasizes fluidity, harmony, circular movements, and the theories, concepts and principles of defensive action. The Kum Do style of traditional Korean swordsmanship concerns itself with the development of the mind, body and spirit of its practitioners through physical, mental and spiritual training.

In part, Kum Do consists of KUL-DA (drawing the sword from the scabbard), CHEE-DAN(cutting movements), SE-TAK(cleaning the blood from the blade), and GUM-JIP(sheathing the sword). Each of these four components must be perfected. The intricacies of these actions may take years to master, and even then can only be maintained through constant practice and dedication to the perfection of oneself through Kum Do™.

There are HYUNGS(patterns) which must be learned before attaining the first degree black belt level in Kum Do. Another essential part of the training curriculum is GUM DARE EE ON(sword sparring sets). Sparring sets are practiced in order to understand the physical applications of basic and combination techniques of the sword.

A Na Mu Karr (wooden sword) is an integral part of sword training. The student must first learn the proper movements of the VUL KI BON PE-DA(10 basic cuts) of the sword. These are practiced both single-handed and two-handed until the movements are performed correctly. Only later, after the student is able to demonstrate his ability to control the movements of the sword to the finest detail, will he be permitted to use a "live blade".

The Yul Ki Bon Pe-Da (10 basic cuts) are the foundation of sword practice. Students, using the Na Mu Karr (wooden sword), move up and down the training floor repeating each cut over and over again. Each movement takes the student one step closer to perfecting each technique.

The scabbard is slid into the belt, sharp edge of the blade facing upward. Some Korean sword schools require the blade face downward, but this is the "exception" and not the rule. The sword was kept in the belt in order to free the hands of the practitioner when not engaged in combat. When using two hands to grip the handle of the sword the right hand (for a right-handed swordsman), is against the hand-guard. The left hand is at the bottom of the handle. If the left hand were to grab further up on the handle the movements would lack both speed and power.

Kum Do involves much more than mere physical training of techniques. The Art also focuses on the development and cultivation of Nae Gong (inner power) and Wae Gong (outer power). Kum Do also stresses Shim Gong (mental powers and development). All of these aspects of the Art are taught in order to help the student attain a deeper understanding of himself through the study of Kum Do.

This traditional Art of Korean swordsmanship also focuses on the development of the positive aspects of the exponent's character. The sword is not merely an extension of the practitioner's hand or movements. This is purely a physical interpretation and concerns itself with only techniques, which are only a small part of the complete Art. The individual who maintains this attitude toward Korean swordsmanship trains strictly on a physical level leading to low levels of personal character development. The study of the Art of Kum Do is a continuous journey, not an attainable goal. Kum Do practitioners commit and dedicate themselves to the idea that they will be students all of their lives, each and every day. The Art becomes much more than mere physical or mental training. To the practitioner it becomes a "Way" of life.